The following technologies are available for license, acquisition, or investment.

"Method for Repairing Primate Mammalian Tissue"
United States Serial No. 10/233343

This application covers a unique method of using expanded adult blood cells to repair tissue.

Licensing contact: Donnie Rudd, Regenetech, Inc. 281-980-6025

"Method of Replenishing Cells Damaged by Treatment for Cancer"
United States Serial No. 10/233344

This application covers the use of expanded adult stem cells in eliminating the side effects of chemotherapy.

Licensing contact: Donnie Rudd, Regenetech, Inc. 281-980-6025

"Method for Regenerating Human Tissue"
United States Serial No. 10/233342

This application covers the use of expanded blood cells and a growth factor to regenerate human tissue.

Licensing contact: Donnie Rudd, Regenetech, Inc. 281-980-6025

"Method for DNA Probe Generation"
Patents have been granted in US and Europe (EP 395 292) and are pending in other major territories.

DNA probes are widely used in the identification and classification of microorganisms. Selecting a target sequence in a species for a DNA probe involves identification of a locus of sufficient interspecies variability that will allow for the design of a specific probe. When dealing with unrelated species, it is relatively easy to identify variable regions for the purpose of DNA probe design by focusing on genes unique to the species or genes which demonstrate significant interspecies variability, e.g. rRNA genes (16S and 23S) . However in closely related species, so called intragenic variable regions are, in reality, very similar and not often sufficiently distinct to allow development of discriminatory probes. Researchers at BRI set out to develop a generally applicable method to identify regions of the genome of a microorganism in which greater variability occurs and which can be used as a basis for development of highly specific DNA probes. The invention relates to the use of the intergenic or spacer regions in the genome as a basis for design of highly specific probes which will even discriminate between closely related species. A 4 step process allows the construction of genera/species specific probes which can distinguish between organisms which differ in as little as 2 bases in target loci. A catalog of target loci can be rapidly identified and candidate probes generated for subsequent validation.

Licensing contact: Seamus O'Hara, BioResearch Ireland, Forbairt, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; phone +353-1-8370177 fax +353-1-8370176;
email: breslind@biores-irl.ie

"Novel Biocatalysts for use in Chiral Synthesis"
Patents applications are pending in other major territories.

Development of methodologies for asymmetric synthesis of organic compounds is currently attracting enormous interest worldwide. The biological activity of a compound is critically dependent on its three-dimensional shape. Many organic compounds used as pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals exist in two enantiomeric forms, and the bioactivity profiles of the two forms can differ significantly. When a new compound is introduced as a chemotherapeutic agent, synthesis of each of the two enantiomeric forms separately is required to establish the bioactivity of the two enantiomers. Currently, resolution techniques of compounds are widely employed industrially. However, asymmetric synthesis of compounds is a much more attractive strategy, and is increasingly used industrially for pharmaceutical production. One of the most elegant approaches to asymmetric synthesis involves use of biotransformations, where either microbial systems or isolated enzymes are employed as biocatalysts to effect a key organic transformation in a stereoselective manner. BRI's biotransformation research group was established to capitalize on (i) in-house expertise in organic synthesis and (ii) availability of an extensive collection of microbial isolates which exhibit unique biocatalytic activities and which have been characterized for their ability to catalyze specific reactions. The latter resource has been established as a result of an on-going program on biological treatment of pharmaceutical industry waste streams.

Licensing contact: Seamus O'Hara, BioResearch Ireland, Forbairt, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; phone +353-1-8370177 fax +353-1-8370176;
email: breslind@biores-irl.ie

"Biological-control of Potato Cyst Nematodes"
Patents applications are pending in other major territories.

Potato cyst nematodes, (PCNs) such as Globdera rostochiensis and Globdera pallida cause sever damage to potato crops with a financial implication to growers. At present, nematicides such as Aldicarb and Oxamyl are used to control PCN infestations but their negative environmental impact and high vertebrate toxicity means they are under threat of de-registration. PCNs survive in the soil as cysts and hatching occurs only in the presence of certain chemical pheromones known as hatch factors (HFs) which leach from the roots of potatoes and related plants. Research at BRI has concentrated on the application of HFs to infested soil in the absence of potato plants which results in "suicide hatching" of nematode cysts. The approach has demonstrated significant efficacy in pot trials and limited field trials. Use of HF to control PCN offers a non-toxic, environmentally acceptable alternative to nematacides.

Licensing contact: Seamus O'Hara, BioResearch Ireland, Forbairt, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; phone +353-1-8370177 fax +353-1-8370176;
email: breslind@biores-irl.ie

National Institutes of Health
United States Serial No. 60/029278; filed October 28, 1996
Chromosomal Markers and Diagnostic Tests for Manic-Depressive Illness

One genetic locus has been identified on chromosome 18 having allelic variations which may be used to determine if an individual has an increased susceptibility to bipolar disease. The claimed method may be useful in determining if an individual has an increased susceptibility to bipolar disease, or ultimately, it may provide a means to predict which medication will provide the best treatment.
Licensing contact: Stephen Finley, PhD, 301-496-7735 ext. 215

National Institutes of Health
United States Serial No. 60/017906; filed May 17, 1996
A Basal Cell Carcinoma Tumor Suppressor Gene

Novel human nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides derived from the tumor suppressor, PTC or patched gene which have been mapped to human chromosome 9q22.3-q31, have been discovered for use in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Mutations of this gene are associated with Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, a disease associated with skin cancer and human developmental defects such as skeletal defects, craniofacial and brain abnormalities. Methods of detection of PTC in a tissue sample have been found.
Licensing contact: Ken Hemby, 301-496-7735 ext. 265